Germany officially approves the provision of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and will allow Ukraine’s allies to do the same.

Germany will transfer 14 modern Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and will enable its partners to do the same under the re-export procedure, the country’s government said in a statement. These vehicles will be the initial supply with the goal of rapidly increasing to two battalions. Furthermore, the German authorities promise that training the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the Leopard 2 will soon begin in Germany. In addition, the Bundeswehr will undertake maintenance, supply tanks with shells, and provide for their delivery to the Ukrainian border. Chancellor Olaf Scholz also noted that Germany will issue permits to partner countries that want to provide Ukraine with tanks from their reserves. However, it will take three months for the first Leopard 2 battle tanks to arrive in Ukraine, said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.